Review (and a Giveaway!): A Dream of Miracles by Ruth Reid

When a suspicious outsider with a shadowy past comes crashing into Amish widow Mattie’s fragile world, can she learn to love again? Find out in Ruth Reid’s new book, A Dream of Miracles. When Mattie and Bo cross paths, all signs point to disaster. Yet as they face a crucible of trials and tragedies together, longings begin to stir that seem destined only to end in more heartbreak. Is a miracle possible—not only of healing but of forbidden love? What secrets lie in Bo’s dreams? And will Mattie find the courage to face her uncertain future . . . or will she simply run away?

This book.  Y’all.  INTENSE.

It will make you angry.  It will make you cry.  It will make you smile. It may even make you shout suggestions or complaints or threats at the book characters. (I know this only theoretically, of course.)

A Dream of Miracles spotlights how a lack of understanding can quickly disintegrate into heartwrenching tragedy. A doctor who isn’t sensitive to the Amish faith makes a handful of assumptions that only display her ignorance. Unfortunately, when Mattie’s son’s health condition deteriorates, these assumptions escalate into accusations that turn Mattie’s world upside down.  In today’s world – in this era of intolerance toward anyone who doesn’t believe the same way – this story is vitally important as a reminder both to be on guard and to be compassionate.

Bo makes such a great hero.  His backstory has hidden depth and layers that are revealed bit by bit as the novel progresses.  I love the way he stands firm for what he believes to be true, the way he watches out for “his kids”, the way he extends compassion to those who need it, and uhh… yeah, the way he kisses (sorry – can’t help it).  His dreams are another element that set this book apart from others in the Amish fiction genre; I found them captivating and heart-stirring all at the same time.

Mattie – oh goodness.  My heart absolutely broke for Mattie.  If such a thing were possible, I would have jumped into the book world and purse whomped a few people in Mattie’s defense.  And then I would have whisked her away somewhere safe until I made sure the purse whomping had knocked appropriate sense into these nitwits. Fortunately, she had some friends to go to bat for her, but ignorant people sadly always seem to wield a great deal of power.

The message of God planting people in certain places for a certain time for specific reasons really resonated with me. As did the “bonus” truth that sometimes that “certain time” really is only for a season. Once our season has passed, God may return us to where He had us originally or move us on to something else. Trying to hold on & stay in one place indefinitely doesn’t help anyone, including ourselves. We miss out on other blessings God has planned – in the new season of planting – and we may miss out on the people whose path we’re meant to intersect for another specific season. Very uniquely and poignantly told in A Dream of Miracles.

Bottom Line: A Dream of Miracles isn’t your typical “isn’t this sweet” Amish romance.  It’s raw and honest and heartwrenching.  But it’s also full of sweet moments and friendship and blossoming romance and some great kisses. Threaded through each of the above elements is a tender ribbon of faith & the reminder that God has a plan that is beyond anything we could ever imagine – even when life isn’t making much sense. Ruth Reid rounds out the mix with compelling characters, unique events, and an engaging writing voice.  A Dream of Miracles is a book you won’t be able to put down until you’ve finished the very last word, and even then you will be craving more time with this story.

(I received a copy of this book in exchange for only my honest review.)

My Rating: 4 stars / Excellent!

KissingBook Level: 3 / May forget to breathe on occasion

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1S7DC2v

See what others are saying: Litfuse

Ruth Reid is a CBA and ECPA bestselling author of the Heaven on Earth series. She’s a full-time pharmacist who lives in Florida with her husband and three children. When attending Ferris State University School of Pharmacy in Big Rapids, Michigan, she lived on the outskirts of an Amish community and had several occasions to visit the Amish farms. Her interest grew into love as she saw the beauty in living a simple life.

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Ruth is celebrating the release of A Dream of Miracles with a Kindle Fire HD 6 giveaway (details below) and an author chat party on May 3!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• One copy of A Dream of Miracles
• A Kindle Fire HD 6

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on 5/3. The winner will be announced at A Dream of Miracles Facebook party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Ruth and other fans of Amish fiction, as well as for a chance to win other prizes!

RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK, TWITTER, or PINTEREST and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 3rd!